Lung Cilia Regrow
Tiny hair-like structures in your lungs start to regrow, reducing infection risk.
What happens to your body 1 month after quitting smoking
After one month smoke-free, the cilia in your lungs — tiny hair-like structures responsible for sweeping mucus and debris out of your airways — begin to regrow and function normally again. Smoking destroys these cilia, which is why smokers are more prone to respiratory infections and persistent coughing. As cilia recover, you may actually cough more temporarily as your lungs start clearing out accumulated tar and mucus. This is a sign of healing, not a setback.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I coughing more after quitting?
This is actually a good sign. Your lung cilia are regrowing and starting to do their job again — sweeping out the tar, mucus, and debris that accumulated while you smoked. This 'smoker's cough' typically improves within a few weeks.
What are lung cilia and why do they matter?
Cilia are microscopic hair-like structures that line your airways. They sweep mucus, bacteria, and particles out of your lungs. Smoking paralyzes and destroys them, leaving your lungs vulnerable to infection. Regrowing cilia dramatically reduces your risk of bronchitis and pneumonia.